Doctor Who: BBC Past Doctor Adventures [006] - The Roundheads by Mark Gatiss

Author:Mark Gatiss
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Science-Fiction - Doctor Who
ISBN: 9780563405764
Publisher: BBC Books
Published: 1998-06-11T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

The depressingly short winter day was fading fast, darkness creeping in from the horizon like a chill curtain. The cold sun, sinking into the embrace of the hills, was perfectly mirrored in the broad, still waters of the Solent.

Hurst Castle stood in a bend of the river, as grim and unwelcoming as any place in the kingdom, its old walls broken with age, its facade peppered with nesting rooks. Their harsh cries echoed through the eerie stillness as Sir John Copper and his men advanced along the shore.

Copper reigned in his horse and swung down from the saddle, never taking his eye off the gloomy fortress nearby.

Benedict Moor walked over to Copper’s side. ‘’Tis time, then?’ he muttered anxiously.

Copper turned his cold grey eyes on him. ‘Almost. But there is still much to be done. When Whyte arrives – ah!’

He paused as two figures on horseback emerged from the gathering dusk. The sound of hooves hammering on the frost-hardened ground echoed like a drumbeat through the quiet.

Whyte’s and Polly’s mounts slowed to a halt and trotted side by side, but the handsome Cavalier was the first to dismount.

He nodded to Copper and Moor before raising his hands to help Polly down.

She waved him away and dropped from the saddle, shooting Whyte another suspicious look.

Copper took her hand and kissed it.

‘A pleasure to see you again, lady,’ he said, smiling sweetly. ‘I am glad to renew our acquaintance in happier circumstances.’

Polly did not return his smile. ‘You have news of my friends?’

Whyte intervened. ‘I have explained to Mistress Polly that the man known as the Doctor has been sighted within the walls of this castle.’

Copper nodded. ‘That is so. But we must use all our guile to get him out, my dear. You see, the castle is well guarded.’

Polly looked at the men who surrounded her. ‘Is the Doctor in trouble?’

It would be surprising if he weren’t, she thought ruefully.

Copper waved his hand airily. ‘Our intelligence only extends to his presence in this place.’

Whyte shot her a reassuring grin, which Polly didn’t altogether like. She thought again of his blatant lie about Frances Kemp’s brother.

‘What’s your plan?’ she asked plainly.

Copper pointed across the river to Hurst Castle. ‘We have contacts within, you understand? An arrangement has been made to substitute a serving girl. Our spy will make contact with your friend the Doctor and then you can slip in and be reunited.’

Polly frowned. ‘And who’s the substitute?’ Copper’s elegant digit turned to point to her. ‘Me?’ she cried.

Whyte moved closer to her. ‘But you’re the natural choice, my dear.’

Polly folded her arms defiantly. ‘And what do you get out of this?’

Copper smiled benignly. ‘The chance to help a lady whom we have wronged.’

Polly let out a snorting laugh. ‘And?’

Whyte grimaced, sensing the game was up. ‘And we would be terribly grateful if you could help the King escape while you’re in there.’

‘The King? He’s in there too?’

Copper and Whyte nodded slowly. Then the older man gently took Polly’s hand in his own.

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